E-Newsletter

New resources to help kids with asthma stay healthy, in school, and ready to learn

(May 16, 2012)—

As we spotlight the severity of asthma throughout the month of May, creating asthma-friendlier schools becomes an important topic. Asthma is a life-long lung disease that affects millions of children in the U.S. and is the leading cause of lost school days from a chronic disease. Poorly controlled asthma has a direct impact on a child’s classroom attendance and can affect their academic success. By supporting and engaging in asthma management programs, schools and parents can work together to reduce the number of asthma-related absences, reduce the number of asthma emergencies, and help safeguard all students, faculty and staff.

Where should you begin? The American Lung Association has a number of resources and online tools to support the asthma safety efforts of school personnel, community volunteers, parents and caretakers. Here are some steps you can take to help make a difference:

Become an asthma expert. The school health office is the first line of defense during an asthma emergency. If you are a school nurse or school-based healthcare provider, learn how to provide guideline-based care. Take the National Asthma Educator Certification Board’s exam to become a Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) by participating in an Asthma Educator Institute®. The American Lung Association’s In Your Community tool can help you locate a course near you.

Educate students on asthma self-management. When children feel confident in their ability to manage asthma in school, they are better able to concentrate on learning. The Open Airways For Schools (OAS) program empowers elementary school children in a fun, interactive group setting. Learn how to become an OAS Certified Facilitator today!

Implement a multi-faceted approach to asthma management in schools. The most effective way to address asthma management in schools is through combined efforts that include: maximizing school health services, providing asthma education, ensuring a healthy school environment, and supporting participation in physical activity when a student with asthma is able. Find out how your school can incorporate these elements to create a long-term asthma management plan through the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative (ASFI). The AFSI Toolkit’s guidance can help your school create a plan that is unique to your specific community’s needs and available resources.

For parents & caregivers: Provide a supportive, asthma-friendly home

Learn more about asthma. The more you know about your child’s asthma, the better prepared you are to help them manage their disease, handle an emergency and reduce environmental triggers. Do you like learning online? Contact onlinelearning@lung.org to sign up for the American Lung Association Asthma Basics online learning module. Also, check out our YouTube asthma channel for demonstration videos on asthma medicines.

Use fun and imagination to help strengthen your child’s asthma self-management skills. What would you do if you were attacked by the Mucus Mob? Learning to manage your asthma can be fun with Lungtropolis®, an online learning game for children with asthma ages 5-10 and their parents.

Create a support community. Even parents and caregivers need a little help at times. The My Fighting For Air Community is a free, online tool for people with lung disease and their families to help coordinate support among family, friends, and neighbors during difficult times.